Local elected officials have placed a bet on the Rye Boys Varsity Football team as the Garnets head to the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse to face the Maine-Endwell Spartans for the New York State Class B Finals this Sunday, December 3rd at 12:00pm Noon.
It is unknown if our local officials used the OG’s game preview to inform their gamble.
“In the spirit of friendly competition, may the best team emerge victorious in this championship clash,” said Westchester County Executive and Rye guy George Latimer, just back from a mission trip to Israel. “I will, of course, be cheering for the Rye Garnets, but both teams Rye and Maine-Endwell are a celebration of sportsmanship and accomplishment. Go Garnets!”
Latimer, along with Assemblyman Steven Otis and State Senator Shelley Mayer, have placed a wager with Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and Senator Lea Webb. At stake is a gift basket filled with locally sourced products from each team’s respective county.
No word from each side about what might be in the gift basket, but sources in Broome County told MyRye.com that products would likely be sourced from the Taste NY Market store on Front Street in Binghamton. Located located inside the Broome Agriculture Development Center, the store carries food and beverage products found in the Southern Tier. Latimer, Otis and Mayer have not indicated where they might be shopping on Purchase Street if their gamble falls short.
[UPDATED: Assemblymember Donna Lupardo’s office told MyRye.com Friday afternoon they have already spoken to their local Taste NY store at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market and they’re ready to put together a basket of locally produced items like maple syrups, honey, jams and jellies, cheese, crackers and other snacks, and soup mixes, sauces, hot sauces should they need to pay their debts after Sunday’s game.]
Spartans from Maine-Endwell placed first in 2021 and 2022.
Assemblyman Steven Otis said, “Congratulations to the Rye and Maine-Endwell Varsity football teams for their outstanding seasons. To advance to the title game in Syracuse is an accomplishment rooted in dedication, hard work, and skill for which every player deserves recognition. My colleague Donna Lupardo and I are both wagering on an exciting and memorable championship game.”
Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am excited to see Rye take on Maine-Endwell this Sunday during the State Championship Game. Each young man playing has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to their love of the game. I wish both teams luck, but especially Maine-Endwell, as our Garnets will be tough to beat.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “I’m thrilled to see our seven-time state champion Maine-Endwell Spartan football team heading to the dome on Sunday and I’m confident they will take home their eighth state championship. Any fan of football knows that you don’t ever bet against Maine-Endwell!”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “The game between the Maine-Endwell Spartans and the Rye Garnets should be a great matchup between two excellent teams. They’ve worked hard to get to this point. This friendly wager between friends reflects the pride we feel in our local teams and I wish them both the best of luck on Sunday. Of course, I’ll be rooting for our local Spartans- they’ll be a tough team to beat!”
Senator Lea Webb said, “Congratulations to both of these teams for a great season. Your dedication and hard work has paid off! I wish the Maine-Endwell Spartans and the Rye Garnets the very best in their State Championship matchup. Go Spartans!
